What is your body trying to communicate?
Here are five signs your body may be indicating something significant about your health.
Have you ever considered what your nails, hair, or skin might reveal about your overall health?
Aside from moments of glamor or choosing holiday nail colors, we often overlook the health implications of our hair and nails. However, paying attention to these aspects of our appearance can unveil important insights about our well-being, sometimes even right under our noses.
From brittle hair to under-eye circles, our bodies continuously send signals about our inner health. While some of these signs are obvious, others may be more subtle and easily missed. While these changes aren't always cause for alarm, they can prompt a closer examination of your overall health.
Here are five physical changes to watch for and what they could indicate about your health.
Five subtle messages your body may be trying to convey.
1. DECODING DRY, BRITTLE HAIR: UNVEILING THE REASONS
Similar to fluctuating moods, your hair experiences its highs and lows. Excessive use of styling tools and products can undoubtedly impact hair health. Yet, if you've noticed persistent abnormalities in your locks, it's worth delving deeper.
Dry, brittle hair emerges when your hair lacks adequate moisture retention, resulting in diminished shine, increased frizz, and a dull appearance. Furthermore, it becomes more susceptible to breakage. While a bit of tender loving care and a break from styling may suffice, it could also signify an underlying issue.
An underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) disrupts the hair growth cycle, often manifesting in diffuse scalp effects rather than localized issues. Severe or prolonged hypothyroidism can exacerbate hair-related concerns. Additionally, individuals with thyroid conditions are predisposed to alopecia areata, characterized by patchy hair loss or thinning.
Other symptoms associated with hypothyroidism include fatigue, weight gain, dry skin, constipation, and irregular periods.
Conversely, an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) may also contribute to hair thinning. Our Thyroid Function Test can help assess your thyroid health.
Conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) may also lead to hair thinning. PCOS affects ovarian functionality and hormone release, often resulting in excessive hair growth on the face, back, or chest, juxtaposed with hair thinning on the scalp. Our Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Blood Test can assist in identifying signs of this condition.
2. UNRAVELING PALE OR DRY SKIN: A HINT OF ANEMIA?
The skin, being the body's largest organ, serves as a significant indicator of overall health.
If you've observed a notable paleness in your skin, it could signal the presence of anemia. Insufficient hemoglobin and red blood cells can result in a washed-out or yellowish complexion. Fatigue or diminished energy levels are among the most common symptoms of anemia.
Additional symptoms of anemia may include shortness of breath, lightheadedness, dizziness, palpitations, and hair loss. Anemia is typically caused by deficiencies in iron, B12, or folate. Individuals with heavy menstrual periods, chronic conditions, or diets lacking in these vitamins and minerals are at higher risk. Our Advanced Well Woman Blood Test can help detect anemia.
Dry skin is a prevalent concern, often attributed to factors like frequent hand washing or cold weather. However, other conditions, such as an underactive thyroid, nutrient deficiencies, or diabetes, can contribute to dry, tight, or flaky skin. Learn more about the causes and treatments for dry skin.
3. UNRAVELING THE MYSTERY OF DARK CIRCLES: BEYOND THE NEED FOR MORE SLEEP
After experiencing several nights of disrupted sleep, you're likely to notice changes beneath your eyes. However, the importance of quality sleep extends far beyond addressing under-eye bags. Sleep plays a pivotal role in both our physical and emotional well-being.
If dark circles have become a persistent feature for you, it's worth exploring the underlying reasons for your sleep disturbances or chronic fatigue.
Factors and conditions that can impact sleep include:
- Overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism)
- Chronic stress
- Diabetes
- Depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues
- Menopause
If despite practicing good sleep hygiene, you continue to struggle with sleep quality, consider seeking a health check to investigate potential underlying conditions affecting your sleep patterns. Our Advanced Woman Test is designed to identify conditions such as thyroid disease and diabetes, while also assessing common causes of fatigue.
4.UNVEILING THE MYSTERY OF BRITTLE NAILS THROUGH YOUR CUTICLES
Identifying nail changes such as pitting, clubbing, coiling, crumbling, ridging, and thickening can provide valuable clues about underlying health issues.
While many nail problems stem from common causes like injuries, nail biting, frequent use of nail polish, or fungal infections, they can sometimes indicate more serious or chronic conditions.
One such condition linked to nail changes is iron-deficiency anemia, which may present with:
- Spoon-shaped nails (koilonychia), appearing scooped out
- Brittle nails
- Vertical ridges
Brittle nails may also be a symptom of hypothyroidism and nutritional deficiencies.
5. UNRAVELING THE ROLE OF HORMONES IN PERSISTENT BODY FAT
Losing weight is often challenging, even with a consistent diet and exercise regimen. However, if those pounds stubbornly refuse to budge, it could indicate a hormonal imbalance.
Key hormones that play a significant role in weight management include estrogen, cortisol, and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH).
Here's how hormones can impact your weight:
- Estrogen: As one of the primary female sex hormones, estrogen greatly influences appetite and metabolism. Low estrogen levels may contribute to weight gain and affect fat distribution, typically leading to abdominal fat accumulation.
- Cortisol: Chronic stress can elevate cortisol levels, which in turn can weaken the immune system, stimulate appetite, and promote weight gain.
- Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH): Hypothyroidism, characterized by an underactive thyroid, can slow down metabolism, making weight loss more challenging.